Michael Clinton Shell, age 74, passed away on December 4, 2020 at Shelby Baptist Medical Center. He was a resident of Helena, Alabama but formerly of Aliceville, Alabama. He was a loving husband to Sandra Strickland Shell and father to Jennifer Steele and Chris Shell. Michael and Sandra recently celebrated 50 years of marriage and devoted their marriage to their family, travel, and serving others.

Born in Century, Florida on September 18, 1946 to J. C. and Sylvia Shell, Michael spent his life as a servant to others. He graduated from Walton County High School in DeFuniak Springs, Florida in 1964. After two years of college, Michael joined the U.S. Navy and graduated from the Naval Preparatory School where he was subsequently appointed to the United States Naval Academy. He later went on to complete his service commitment in Vietnam. Upon discharge, he joined his parents in Aliceville where he met Sandra Strickland. They were married in 1970. Michael graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in accounting. He became a Certified Public Accountant and worked in numerous accounting capacities before establishing his own business. Michael completed his 50th tax season in the spring of 2020.

Michael Shell spent his life in service to others. He always maintained an active membership in a local Baptist church. He was an ordained deacon and currently served in this capacity at Canaan Baptist Church in Bessemer, Alabama. One of Michael's passions was to serve in short-term mission trips. Over the course of 25 years, he served in Alaska, Romania, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru, and Paraguay.

Michael shared his love of travel with his family. He and Sandra traveled around the world seeing over 100 different countries. This passion was instilled in his children and grandchildren in whom he invested his love of travel.

Michael is survived by his wife, Sandra and their children Jennifer (Rusty) and Chris (Ami). He leaves behind five grandchildren--Meri Cashion, Olivia Bondurant, Halsey, Wren, and Cooper Shell and one great grandchild--Archer Cashion. He is also survived by two brothers and their families--Gary Shell (Nevaline) and Ronnie Shell (Olivia).

The service will be graveside for family members at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the New
Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, 3939 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70126.